For Islamabad Bishop, elections give Christians and Muslims an opportunity for "peace and change"

by Jibran Khan

Bishop Rufin Anthony hopes to see the end of politics based corruption, intolerance and extremist violence. Education, energy and the country's development are the most urgent issues. However, fundamentalism and a general climate of suspicion cast their shadow over the vote. Priest in Rawalpindi calls for greater Christian involvement and participation.

Islamabad (AsiaNews) - People are
looking for an opportunity to "change" and put an end to a
"culture of corruption, intolerance, irresponsibility and terrorism," said
Mgr Rufin Anthony, bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, as he talked about the
upcoming general elections in Pakistan. This Saturday in fact, voters will pick
a new parliament and the new government will be confronted with the country's
economic crisis and Islamist violence.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Bishop Anthony said that ordinary Pakistanis want "peace
and respect". For this reason, "we are praying for peace in Pakistan," adding, "are
hopeful that the new government will be able to address in a decisive manner the
problems facing minorities."

The hopes of the capital's bishop
are shared by Catholics and Protestants alike as well as other religious
minorities, not to mention many Muslims; however, they contrast with daily reports
about extremist activities, a trend confirmed by a recent survey that suggests
that more than half of young Pakistanis think that Sharia, or Islamic law based
on the principles of the Qur'an, "is better than democracy."

Tensions have been aggravated and
the campaign marred by a number of incidents, murders, and attacks, like the
recent arrest
of former President Pervez Musharraf who came home after four years in
exile to take part in the elections or accidents like that of Imran Khan who was
injured yesterday in Lahore after he toppled off a forklift that was raising him
to a platform for a rally.

Doctors have prescribed ten days
of rest for Pakistan's former cricket start and current leader of the Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), but he has already confirmed his presence at a public
meeting tomorrow in Islamabad. Statements of solidarity have been issued by almost
all political parties.

The country's economic crisis, its
future development, the shortcomings of its educational system and energy
sector top the list of issues in this campaign. Against this backdrop, some
groups are urging voters to come out in great numbers to cast their ballot, whilst
others are calling for a boycott.

For Pakistani Christians, who have
often been the victims of persecution and abuse, minority protection remains a
priority.

Pervaiz Rafique, a Catholic leader
in the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP), defends the government's record
and popularity for what it has done in favour of rights protection and against the country's
talibanisation.

However, for Fr Anwar Patras, a Rawalpindi-based
priest, more should be done "to solve the problems of minorities". More Christian
candidates should also be present in order to achieve "real change".